Rating: 3/5 (10 votes)

Open Days: Generally open for public visits and activities from mid-March – mid-December (outside the Reserve Officer Training Corps field-training period). Please call to confirm the latest announcement before traveling.

Opening Hours: Reference hours 08.00 – 16.00 (may change depending on training missions and on-site management). Please call to confirm before traveling.

 

Khao Chon Kai Training Camp is often considered a “challenge-style” destination for travelers in Kanchanaburi because its atmosphere is clearly different from typical nature attractions or riverside cafés commonly found in the province. The camp is located in Lat Ya Subdistrict, Kanchanaburi, and its primary role is a field-training site for Reserve Officer Training Corps students. After the training period ends, the camp opens to the general public for visits and for military-style confidence and endurance activities such as tower jumping, rope crossing over water, and shooting activities under the camp’s rules and supervision. That is why visiting here is not simply about “walking around”; it is about hands-on experiences that require focus, courage, and personal responsibility for safety.

 

In terms of location, Khao Chon Kai Training Camp is convenient compared with other activity-based attractions that require long drives far outside town. The camp is about 20 km from Kanchanaburi city and about 150 km from Bangkok. The main access route commonly used is Highway 3199 (Kanchanaburi – Srinagarind Dam). Not long after leaving the urban area, the scenery becomes quieter and greener, with tree lines alternating with open community spaces. This makes the camp suitable both for travelers with limited time who want a day trip and for those planning a 2-day, 1-night itinerary—spending one day for camp activities and another day continuing to Kanchanaburi’s well-known landmarks.

 

Getting There If you drive from Kanchanaburi city, head to Highway 3199 (Kanchanaburi – Srinagarind Dam) and continue along the main road for about 3 km to reach the camp area. Overall, the road is easy to drive, but you should allow a bit of extra time on weekends and during peak travel seasons when traffic can be heavier near the city exits and major intersections. If you prefer not to drive, you can first travel to Kanchanaburi city by van or bus, then take a local taxi or hire a private car to the camp. This option is practical for groups, helps save time, and makes it easy to return to the city afterward for accommodation or meals once activities are finished.

 

The charm of Khao Chon Kai is not the kind of “flashy fun” you find at an amusement park. Instead, it comes from the seriousness of the activities, which are designed to engage both body and mind. On the day you decide to try the tower jump, what you gain is not only the adrenaline of the final moment before stepping off, but also the practice of managing fear and following procedures with discipline. Activities of this kind typically come with strict safety protocols and equipment requirements. Visitors should therefore prepare physically and mentally, especially by accepting that the training environment has clear rules, and that the experience runs smoothly when everyone follows staff instructions carefully.

 

Another frequently mentioned activity is the rope crossing over water. This challenge requires arm strength, balance, and steady composure, because controlled movement matters more than forcing power. If you go specifically to “get the experience,” wear comfortable, flexible clothing, choose secure shoes with good grip, bring enough drinking water, and allow time for rest breaks. Doing several activities in one day can lead to accumulated fatigue, especially on hot Kanchanaburi days. Planning your activity order from heavier to lighter, or alternating activities with rest, helps you enjoy the trip more and reduces the risk that comes with exhaustion.

 

Shooting activities are another reason Khao Chon Kai stands out, because they involve potentially dangerous equipment and must be conducted under strict rules. Visitors should understand from the start that participation requires following staff commands and safety measures precisely, and there may be conditions regarding schedules, permissions, or activity formats that change depending on daily operations. This is why calling ahead is important, especially if you are visiting primarily for a specific activity. Confirming in advance helps prevent disappointment and allows you to plan your time around what is actually available on the day you arrive.

 

Beyond the challenge activities, Khao Chon Kai is also described as having areas of historical significance within the camp that visitors can walk through. This adds another dimension to the visit: it is not only about testing courage, but also about seeing a real training environment and understanding that the space is designed for training and learning rather than commercial tourism. This gives the experience a more “real” feel compared with places created mainly for staged photos. If you like trips that combine practical activities with learning and observation, Khao Chon Kai can offer a well-rounded experience within a single day.

 

One point that matters just as much as the activities is the “public opening period.” Because Khao Chon Kai’s primary mission is field training for ROTC students, access may be restricted during training periods, or open only in limited ways. Provincial tourism information commonly cites that the camp is generally more open to public visits and activities from mid-March to mid-December, suggesting the early months of the year are often more restricted. This is why calling to confirm “is it open to the public today?” should be a routine step, especially for visitors traveling from Bangkok or from farther provinces, because it reduces the risk of wasted time and travel costs.

 

If you want a balanced trip that does not feel rushed, a practical approach is to leave Bangkok early and arrive at the camp in the late morning. Choose 1–2 main activities you truly want to try, then add lighter time such as walking around, taking photos, and resting with water breaks. Afterward, head back into Kanchanaburi city for dinner at well-known riverside spots near the River Kwai Bridge area. If you plan to stay overnight, consider accommodation around Lat Ya or in the city for convenience, then continue your next-day itinerary to places such as Wat Tham Suea, a skywalk viewpoint, or the River Kwai Bridge and related historical museums. This way, your trip combines both a “challenge activities” dimension and a “city – history” dimension in one journey.

 

For families or groups with multiple age ranges, it helps to assign roles and pace the day appropriately. Those who are not comfortable with intense activities can focus on walking, taking photos, and resting at waiting areas, while those who want to try activities can do so in timed blocks so others are not waiting too long. It is also helpful to agree on goals before arriving. Some people want the tower jump, some want the rope crossing, and some simply want to “see the camp atmosphere.” Aligning expectations in advance helps the trip run smoothly and reduces friction on travel day.

 

Overall, Khao Chon Kai Training Camp is a strong option for travelers who want a new kind of experience in Kanchanaburi without driving deep into remote areas or traveling far. Its key selling point is challenge-based activities that stand apart from typical attractions, plus a location close to the city that makes planning easy for both day trips and overnight stays. When you pair it with dining in Kanchanaburi city or a pleasant stay at nearby resorts around Lat Ya, you get a trip that balances fun, excitement, and comfort within the same route.

 

 

A: The camp is primarily a field-training site for ROTC students. It is generally more open to the public outside the training period, with a common reference being mid-March to mid-December. Please call to confirm the latest opening status before you travel.

 

A: Reference hours are 08.00 – 16.00, but schedules may change depending on missions and on-site management. It is best to call ahead to confirm the date and time before leaving.

 

A: Wear flexible clothing and secure shoes, bring enough drinking water, take rest breaks, and follow staff instructions strictly, because the activity must be done according to the camp’s safety procedures.

 

A: In general, it is not difficult. You can take Highway 3199 and drive about 3 km from Kanchanaburi city to reach the camp. Allow extra time on weekends, and drive carefully according to traffic conditions.

 

A: Plan activities in time blocks. Those who want intense activities can choose 1–2 main activities, while others can walk around, take photos, and rest at waiting points. Then continue with a meal or city sightseeing in Kanchanaburi to keep the trip balanced.